Sip n’ Swing

Baseball season is upon us, and just in case you hadn’t noticed, the Lake Elsinore Storm is inviting everyone out to the Diamond for the seventh annual Sip n’ Swing event.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, fans of all ages can enjoy a day of food, fun, stadium tours and even batting practice on the field.

“For the organization, it’s an open house and a quick-stop spring training experience for all of our guests,” said Sean McCall, director of broadcasting for the Storm. “It’s also a unique community event and St. Paddy’s Day party, Storm-style.”

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, there will be green beer at the Beer and Sausage Fest along the first-base line.

And this year, there is a Launch-A-Ball contest in which guests will have a chance to win a $1,200 prize if they can make a shot into the Storm’s “pot of gold.”

“The first person who makes it into the pot of gold, which is a gold toilet, will win season tickets, a ceremonial first pitch and more,” McCall said.

Another popular activity at the event is the behind-the-scenes stadium tour that will include visits to the clubhouse and home dugout.

“Fans can go through the tunnels to the home dugout, venture up to the newly renovated suites,” McCall said. “And also stop by our new party deck on the first-base side, along with Diamond Club restaurant to have a look at our new menu items.”

Youngsters can enjoy the free Fun Zone with bounce houses and games, and they can take pictures with the appropriately green Storm mascot, Thunder.

Last but not least, fans can line up and take batting practice on the field.

“You get 10 swings, and people can get back in line to go again if they want,” McCall said. “But we try to accommodate all of the guests.”

Admission and parking for the event are free. The Storm, the Single-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, is about to start its 20th season.

“And it’s also a reminder that opening day is around the corner (first home game is April 11),” he said. “We want people to have some fun and be reminded that it’s baseball season.”